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How is urethral stricture usually diagnosed?As well as a physical examination, a
doctor will need to carry out a cystoscopy
to confirm a diagnosis of urethral
stricture. This is when a thin, flexible
tube containing a camera and light
is inserted into the child’s bladder. It
is carried out while the child is under
general anaesthetic but should only last
about 30 minutes.
How is urethral stricture usually treated?How a child is treated will depend on the
length and location of the stricture, and
the severity of their signs and symptoms.
In cases of minor stricture, the urethra
can be dilated (made wider) while the
child is having a cystoscopy. The urologist
might use a stent (plastic rod) to stretch
the stricture or make a small incision
with a knife (through a telescope) to
widen the stricture.
However, these treatments do not always
offer a permanent solution. The urethra
can become narrow again (the stricture
may re-form) after a period of time.
In more complex cases, the removal
and reconstruction of a section of the
urethra (known as an urethroplasty)
may be required. If the cause of the
stricture is scar tissue, this may also be
removed during the operation.
Insertion of a catheter is normal at the
time of the procedure as this gives the
urethra time to heal after the operation.
The catheter will be removed a few days
after the procedure – the exact timing
of removal should be discussed with the
surgeon as it can vary with different
procedures.
What happens next?In most cases, a child will not experience
any recurrence of urethral stricture.
However, the eventual outcome of the
treatment will depend on the underlying
cause of the stricture.
Compiled by the GOSH web team in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH www.gosh.nhs.uk